Numbers 26:16

Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:

Of Ozni {H244}, the family {H4940} of the Oznites {H244}: of Eri {H6179}, the family {H4940} of the Erites {H6180}:

of Ozni, the family of the Ozni; of 'Eri, the family of the 'Eri;

the Oznite clan from Ozni, the Erite clan from Eri,

of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites;

Commentary

Numbers 26:16 KJV is a concise verse from the second census of Israel, specifically detailing two family lines within the tribe of Gad. This census was conducted in the plains of Moab, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is part of a comprehensive census recorded in Numbers chapter 26. This was the second numbering of the Israelite men twenty years old and upward, capable of going to war, taken roughly 38 years after the first census (recorded in Numbers 1). The first generation, who had rebelled in the wilderness, had largely perished (as foretold in Numbers 14:29). This new census thus highlights the emergence of a new generation, ready to inherit the land promised by God. The detailed listing of families like the Oznites and Erites from the tribe of Gad served a practical purpose: to determine the total fighting force and, more importantly, to establish the basis for the equitable division of the land by lot among the tribes and their families.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Meticulousness: The very act of numbering and categorizing each family demonstrates God's precise and orderly nature. Every individual and family line, no matter how briefly mentioned, is significant in His divine plan for His people.
  • Generational Continuity and Promise: Despite the failures of the previous generation, God remained faithful to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This census underscores the continuity of God's people and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises, even through new generations. It signifies the transition from the wilderness journey to the fulfillment of the land promise.
  • Identity and Inheritance: Family lineage was crucial in ancient Israel, directly tied to tribal identity and the right to inherit land. The mention of "the family of the Oznites" and "the family of the Erites" reinforces this structure, ensuring each clan received its rightful portion in the future distribution of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Ozni" (ืื‡ื–ึฐื ึดื™, 'Ozniy) and "Eri" (ืขึตืจึดื™, 'Eriy) are proper names of two sons of Gad, as listed in Genesis 46:16. The suffixes "-ites" (as in "Oznites" and "Erites") are common Hebrew patronymic forms, indicating "descendants of" or "belonging to the family of." This linguistic structure simply confirms that these are the named clans originating from Ozni and Eri, preserving their specific family identities within the larger tribe of Gad.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:16, though seemingly just a list, reminds us of several enduring truths. Firstly, God is a God of order who pays attention to details, even in what might seem mundane tasks like a census. Secondly, it highlights God's incredible faithfulness across generations; His promises endure even when people fail. We are part of a larger story of God's redemptive plan, inheriting the legacy of faith from those who came before us. It encourages us to consider our own place within God's family and how we contribute to the ongoing narrative of His kingdom, much like the Oznites and Erites were counted as part of God's chosen people ready for their inheritance.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 46:16 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.